Sunday, November 23, 2008

Nov22-28: Metaphors of Salvation

SUNDAY-THURSDAY

(This lesson is based upon Romans 3:19-26)


Redemption

1. Read Rom. 3:19. What is the verdict of all men according to the law?

  • Rom. 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

ANSWER:

  • Guilty


2. How many sins do you have to commit before you become guilty?

  • James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

ANSWER:

  • One sin


3. What is the final consequence of sin?

  • Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death

  • 1Cor. 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

ANSWER:

  • Death


4. How many were stung by sin and death?

  • Rom. 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

ANSWER:

  • All men


5. What does it mean to be “under the law” in Romans 3:19?

  • Rom. 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

ANSWER:

  • Under the condemnation of the law. The law says we are guilty because we have broken the law of God.


6. What is Jesus trying to do with those are “ under the law”?

  • Gal. 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

  • Gal. 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

ANSWER:

  • To redeem them that were under the law”


7. What did Jesus do in order to “redeem them that were under the law”?

  • Gal. 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

  • Gal. 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

ANSWER:

  • Jesus was “made under the law”


8. In what way, Jesus was “made under the law”?

  • 2Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

ANSWER:

  • He was made “sin” for us or He was made guilty for us


9. In what way Jesus was “made under the law” according to the book of Galatians?

  • Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree

NOTE: Cursed on the tree

  • Matt. 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

  • Matt. 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

ANSWER:

  • Jesus was made a curse for us


10. Who deserved to be hung on a tree?

  • Deut. 21:22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

  • Deut. 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

ANSWER:

  • Guilty


OBSERVATION:

Before the plan of redemption:

  • All men are guilty before God

  • All men are under the condemnation of the law

  • All men deserve to be punished by death and cursed by God

In order to redeem us:

  • Jesus became guilty for us

  • Jesus was made under the condemnation of the law

  • Jesus was punished by death and was cursed by God


CONCLUSION:

  • Redemption is possible for everyone because Jesus became guilty for all men.


Reconciliation

1. Could a guilty person be justified by the “deeds of the law”?

  • Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

ANSWER:

  • No, because justification and guilty are opposites. If you are convicted as guilty then it is impossible to be justified according to the court of the law.


2. What is the meaning of “justified” and “guilty”?

ANSWER:

  • Justified-in Greek- 1344. dikaioo, dik-ah-yo´-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent: — free, justify(-ier), be righteous.

  • Guilty-in Greek- 5267. hoop-od´-ee-kos; from 5259 and 1349; under sentence, i.e. (by implication) condemned: — guilty.

  • Justify means you are innocent.

  • Guilty means you are condemned.

OBSERVATION:

  • If someone is guilty then that person is guilty even if he or she obeys the law later. Obedience to the law cannot change your guilty verdict to justified.

  • Since obedience to the law cannot change your guilty status therefore there has to be another way to be justified.


3. What is the only way for a guilty person to be justified?

  • Rom. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

  • Rom. 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

NOTE:

  • “Righteousness” –in Greek- 1343. dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — righteousness.

ANSWER:

  • Righteousness (justification) by faith of Jesus Christ

  • Live by the faith of Jesus

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

  • Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • Gal. 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Phil. 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:


4. What experience is needed in order to live by the faith of Jesus?

  • Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

ANSWER:

  • I am crucified with Christ” “Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”


5. How does the Book of Roman express the idea of being “crucified with Christ”

  • Rom. 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

ANSWER:

  • Old man is crucified with him”


6. What happens next after the “old man” is crucified?

  • Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Eph. 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Eph. 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  • 2Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

ANSWER:

  • Put on the new man”

  • Become a “new creature”


7. What truth is connected to the idea of becoming a new creature in Christ?

  • 2Cor. 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • 2Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

ANSWER:

  • The work of reconciliation


CONCLUSION:

  • No man can be justified by obeying the law

  • The only way to be justified is to live by the faith of Jesus

  • The experience of the faith of Jesus is connected to crucify your “old man” experience.

  • The “new man” or “new creature” will take the place of the “old man”

  • Justification is possible not by obeying the law but having the faith in Jesus. That faith needs to be similar to the faith that Jesus exercised on earth. That’s what it mean to live by the faith of Jesus

  • Do you want to be justified? Do not begin by obeying the law but by surrendering your life to God by faith and then by faith obeying the law.

  • When we surrender to God by faith then we are being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.


Justification

1. Read Romans 3:24. What is the key word in the text? (Hint: look for action word)

  • Rom. 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

ANSWER:

  • Justified”


2. Read Romans 3:24. How was our justification given to us?

  • Rom. 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

ANSWER:

  • Freely by His grace”

3. Read Romans 3:24. Through what plan of action was God able to graciously offer the gift of justification?

  • Rom. 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

ANSWER:

  • The plan of redemption

  • Remember the basic plan of redemption is to help the guilty to be innocent


CONCLUSION:

  • There is the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ

  • God is trying to help the guilty to be innocent or the work of justification in the plan of redemption

  • This justification is freely offered to us by His grace

  • By His grace we can be justified because we cannot just obey the law to be justified

  • All this is possible in Christ Jesus.



Expiatory Sacrifice

1. How is the gift of justification possible in Christ Jesus?

  • Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

ANSWER:

  • Jesus is our “propitiation”


2. What is the meaning of propitiation?

ANSWER:

  • Propitiation- in Greek-2435. hilasterion, hil-as-tay´-ree-on; neuter of a derivative of 2433; an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple): — mercyseat, propitiation.

  • Expiatory- able to make atonement or expiation; offered by way of expiation: expiatory sacrifices.

  • Expiation-

    • The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty.

    • Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with punishment falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents to stand in our room. It is that by which reconciliation is effected. Sin is thus said to be "covered" by vicarious satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

  • Propitiation means the mercyseat

  • Propitiation means the punishment falling upon the substitute so that our sins can be eradicated and we can be declared just at the mercyseat


3. Read Romans 3:25. How do we experience Jesus as our propitiation?

  • Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

ANSWER:

  • Having “faith in His blood”

4. Read Romans 3:25. What promise is given to us in the blood of Jesus?

  • Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

ANSWER:

  • The remission of sins that are past”

CONCLUSION:

  • Justification is freely available to us. But what is justification? It is the remission of sins that are past. This remission (forgiveness) is possible because the blood of Jesus as our propitiation on the mercyseat. Therefore the complete justification takes place in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary.

5. What other promises are included in the blood of Jesus?

  • Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

ANSWER: Reconciliation

  • Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

ANSWER: Redemption and Forgiveness of sins

  • 1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

ANSWER: Cleanse us from all sin

  • Rom. 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

ANSWER: Justification

  • Heb. 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

ANSWER: Sanctification

  • Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Heb. 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

ANSWER: Perfect in every good work

CONCLUSION: The blood of Jesus as our propitiation on the mercyseat reconciles us to God through forgiveness and cleansing of all our sins, both the justification and the sanctification by faith, that we may be perfect in every good work to do His will.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

  • What keeps us from experiencing the gift of the blood of Jesus for our sin?

  • When was the last time you felt so grateful for the blood of Jesus?

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Nov15-21: Atonement and the Incarnation

SUNDAY-THURSDAY

Priest and Atonement

1. Who can make an atonement in the Old Testament time?

  • Lev. 4:20 … the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

  • Lev. 4:26 … the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

  • Lev. 14:20 … the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

  • Lev. 16:32 And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

  • Num. 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them

ANSWER:

  • Priest and High Priest

2. Who is our Priest and High Priest?

  • Heb. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

  • Heb. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

ANSWER:

  • Jesus Christ

3. What are the qualifications to be a priest?

  • Heb. 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

  • Heb. 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

ANSWER:

  • Who is chosen from among men

  • Who offers gifts and sacrifices

  • Who is compassed with infirmities of humanity

Jesus, Our High Priest

1. Was Jesus a man?

  • Heb. 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

ANSWER:

  • Yes, he was “made like unto His brethren”

2. Did Jesus offer a sacrifice?

  • Heb. 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God

ANSWER:

  • Yes, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice

3. Was Jesus compassed with the infirmities of humanity?

  • Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

ANSWER:

  • Yes, Jesus was touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

CONCLUSION:

  • Jesus is our High Priest

4. Is there a connection between incarnation of Jesus and the work of atonement?

  • Heb. 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

ANSWER:

  • Yes

  • The phrase, “made like unto His brethren,” reveals the incarnation of Jesus

  • The phrase, “to make reconciliation for the sins of the people,” reveals the work of atonement. “Reconciliation” means atonement.

  • Reconciliation –in Greek-2433. hilaskomai, hil-as´-kom-ahee; middle voice from the same as 2436; to conciliate, i.e. (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious: — be merciful, make reconciliation for.

Made Like Unto His Brethren

1. Jesus was made like unto His brethren. Who are “His brethren”?

  • Heb. 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

ANSWER:

  • Those who are sanctified

OBSERVATION:

  • Jesus lived a sanctified life with a fallen human nature.

2. Jesus was made like unto His brethren. What was He subjected to as one of the “brethren”?

  • Heb. 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Heb. 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

ANSWER:

  • Temptation

3. Was Jesus really tempted like humans would have been tempted?

  • Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

ANSWER:

  • Yes, He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.

4. Why did Jesus need to be tempted like we are tempted?

  • Heb. 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

ANSWER:

  • So that He can help those who are tempted.

CONCLUSION:

  • There is a connection between the incarnation of Jesus and the work of reconciliation. And there is a connection between the work of reconciliation and Jesus helping us to overcome our temptations. Therefore there is a connection between the incarnation of Jesus, atonement, and overcoming sin.

Incarnation of Jesus

1. What did Jesus accomplish by becoming a man?

  • Phil. 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Phil. 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Heb. 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God

  • Heb. 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens

ANSWER:

  • Jesus lived an obedient life in His human nature.

  • Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice on the cross.

  • Jesus became our High Priest

CONCLUSION:

  • Through Jesus’ obedient life, we may also overcome sin in our life.

  • Through Jesus’ death, we may receive forgiveness of sin.

  • Through Jesus’ work as High Priest, we may receive both the forgiveness of sin and victory over sin.

2. Observe the following verses. Hebrews 10:5, 14-18

  • Heb. 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

  • Heb. 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb. 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, Heb. 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Heb. 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Heb. 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

ANSWER:

  • Heb. 10:5-Incarnation of Jesus

  • Heb. 10:14-The sacrifice of Jesus for our sanctification

  • Heb. 10:15-Holy Spirit helps us to understand and to experience the gift

  • Heb. 10:16-Sanctification made possible by transformation of our hearts

  • Heb. 10:17-Complete forgiveness by blotting out of our sins

  • Heb. 10:18-No more offering for sin if sins are finally blotted out

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • Could sins be blotted out if Jesus did not take a fallen human nature? Explain why or why not?

  • Why did the work of atonement include both forgiveness and sanctification?

  • Why wasn’t the sacrifice enough for our atonement? Why do we have to have the High Priest make and complete our atonement?

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Nov8-14: Atonement in Symbols, Part II (The Day of Atonement and Blotting Out)

SUNDAY-THURSDAY


Not Without Blood”

1. How many types of services did Paul emphasize in Hebrews chapter 9?

  • Heb. 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

  • Heb. 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

ANSWER:

  • Daily.

  • Yearly.

2. What must the high priest had to have in order to enter into the second apartment of the Sanctuary, the most holy place?

ANSWER:

  • Blood.

OBSERVATION:

  • The blood of animals was used for both the daily service in the holy place and the yearly service in the most holy place. However the Bible writer emphasizes the importance of blood for the Day of Atonement.

3. What was the purpose of the blood in the most holy place?

  • Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

ANSWER:

  • Remission of sin.

OBSERVATIONS:

  • The word “blood” is used 22 times in the book of Hebrews. However, 12 times it is used in chapter 9. Therefore chapter 9 should tell us the ultimate goal for the blood of Jesus, which is the remission of sin.

  • The final remission of sin takes place in the most holy place. Therefore the blood of Jesus was shed at the cross but the work of atonement is not complete until the service in the most holy place is done.


The Day of Atonement

1. When was the yearly service during the Old Testament time?

  • Lev. 16:29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

  • Lev. 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Lev. 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

  • Num. 29:7 And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein

ANSWER:

  • On the tenth day of the seventh month.

2. What is that day called?

  • Lev. 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Lev. 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

ANSWER:

  • The Day of Atonement.

3. What is the meaning of the word “atonement” in Hebrew?

ANSWER:

  • Atonement-in Hebrew- 3725. kippur, kip-poor´; from 3722; expiation (only in plural):—atonement.

  • 3722. kaphar, kaw-far´; a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:—appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation).

4. What happens during the Day of Atonement?

  • Lev. 16:30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.

ANSWER:

  • Cleanse the sinner from all his/her sins before the Lord.

5. What is the sinners’ duty during the Day of Atonement?

  • Lev. 16:29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: Lev. 16:31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

  • Lev. 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. Lev. 23:28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.

  • Num. 29:7 And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:

ANSWER:

  • Afflict your souls.

  • Do no work, a Sabbath of rest unto you.

  • Offer an offering made by fire.


6. What happens if you do not participate in afflicting your souls and do no work on that day?

  • Lev. 23:29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

  • Lev. 23:30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

ANSWER:

  • No afflicting – be cut off from among His people.

  • Working on that day – be destroyed from among His people by God.


Cleansing of the Sanctuary

1. What is being cleansed on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the cleansing of the sins of the people?

  • Lev. 16:18 And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.

  • Lev. 16:19 And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

ANSWER:

  • Putting of the blood on the horns of the altar.

OBSERVATION:

  • If the horns of the altar need to be cleansed then they were unclean before.

2. What made the horns of the altar unclean?

  • Lev. 4:5 And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

  • Lev. 4:6 And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

  • Lev. 4:7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

ANSWER:

  • Confessed sins of the sinners, via blood, have been transferred to the horns of the altar of incense.


The Lord’s Goat and the Scapegoat

1. How many goats are brought before the tabernacle on the Day of Atonement?

  • Lev. 16:7 And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

ANSWER:

  • Two.

2. What did the high priest first do with those goats?

  • Lev. 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

ANSWER:

  • Cast lots.

  • One for the Lord.

  • The other for the scapegoat.

  • Since the first goat is for the Lord therefore the scapegoat is not for the Lord.

3. How did they use the Lord’s goat?

  • Lev. 16:9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.

ANSWER:

  • Offer him for a sin offering.

4. How did they use the scapegoat?

  • Lev. 16:10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

ANSWER:

  • Shall be presented alive before the Lord.

  • Let him go into the wilderness.

5. Does anyone confess sin over the Lord’s goat?

  • Lev. 16:15 Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

ANSWER:

  • No. The high priest just kills the goat.

6. What about the scapegoat, does anyone confess sin over the scapegoat?

  • Lev. 16:21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:

ANSWER:

  • Yes

OBSERVATION:

  • The high priest used the Lord’s goat to cleanse the sanctuary (to remove the sins from the sanctuary), which became (in a sense) unclean by the confessed sins during the daily service.

  • The high priest used the scapegoat to place all confessed sins on it. Notice it was the Lord’s goat that was sacrificed then the blood was used to cleanse the sanctuary. However the scapegoat only receives sins but is not sacrificed. Therefore the scapegoat is not being sacrificed for our sins but being blamed for our sins.


Cleansed

1. What is God’s promise if we confess our sins?

  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

ANSWER:

  • To forgive.

  • To cleanse.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • What is the difference between forgiveness and cleansing?

  • Why do we need to be forgiven and to be cleansed?

2. What is the meaning of the word “cleanse” in Hebrew?

ANSWER: Draw your own conclusion

  • Cleanse-in Hebrews-2891. taher, taw-hare´; a primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy):—be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self).

3. How was the word “cleanse” used for the first time in the Bible?

  • Gen. 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

ANSWER:

  • Put away strange gods.

  • Change your garment.

APPLICATION:

  • Put away sin and put on a new garment of righteousness.

APPLICATION QUESTION:

  • Is there a connection between God giving Adam and Eve “skin of coats” and cleansing? If so then what is it?

4. What does it mean to “cleanse” (2891) our sin?

  • Psa. 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psa. 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

  • Psa. 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psa. 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Psa. 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

ANSWER:

  • Blot out my transgressions.
  • Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquities.
  • Cleanse me from my sin.
  • Purge me.
  • Create in me a clean heart.
  • Renew a right spirit.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • Do we need to have forgiveness and blotting out of our sin before we go to heaven?
  • Why couldn’t Jesus just blot everyone’s sin on the cross?
  • Why the blotting out of sin takes place at the end of the world? (Acts 3:19)
  • What are the major differences between the daily and the yearly service?


Monday, November 3, 2008

Nov1-7: Atonement in Symbols Part I (Atonement and the Blood)

SUNDAY


1. What was the purpose in the first act of animal sacrifice in the Bible?

  • Gen. 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

ANSWER:

  • To clothe their nakedness.


2. What is the meaning of the word “coat” in Hebrew?

ANSWER:

  • Coat- in Hebrew- 3801 kthoneth, keth-o´-neth; or kuttoneth, koot-to´-neth; from an unused root meaning to cover (compare 3802); a shirt:—coat, garment, robe.

  • 3802. katheph, kaw-thafe´; from an unused root meaning to clothe; the shoulder (proper, i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anything:—arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter.


3. What were Adam and Eve wearing before and what does it mean in Hebrew?

  • Gen. 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

ANSWER:

  • Apron- in Hebrew-2290. chagowr, khag-ore´; or chagor, khag-ore´; and (feminine) chagowrah, khag-o-raw´; or chagorah, khag-o-raw´; from 2296; a belt (for the waist):—apron, armour, gird(-le).

OBSERVATIONS:

  • Apron covers from the waist below.

  • Coat covers from the shoulders below.


4. What did the animal give up in order to provide clothing for Adam and Eve?

ANSWER:

  • Life or shedding of the blood because the life is in the blood (Lev. 17:11).


5. What was the ultimate significance for shedding animal blood in the sacrificial system?

  • Lev. 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

ANSWER:

  • To teach about the atonement.


6. What is the meaning of the word “atonement” in the Hebrew?

ANSWER:

  • Atonement- in Hebrew-3722. kaphar, kaw-far´; a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:—appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation).


7. What does putting on a new “coat”, or garment, represent in the book of Zechariah?

  • Zech. 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

  • Zech. 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

ANSWER:

  • Forgiveness and cleansing.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • How do you cover your spiritual nakedness?

  • What is the connection between the atonement and the new garment?


MONDAY/ TUESDAY


1. Who needs to bring a sacrifice for their sins?

  • Lev. 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

  • Lev. 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

ANSWER: A sinner.


2. How many people are guilty before God in the world?

  • Rom. 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

ANSWER: All.


3. What does the guilty one do with the sacrifice?

  • Lev. 4:4 And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock’s head, and kill the bullock before the LORD.

ANSWER:

  • Lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering.

  • Kill the sin offering.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • Why lay the hands on the head?

  • Why does the sinner have to be the one to kill the sacrifice?


4. What does a guilty person do when he lays “his hand upon the head of the sin offering?”

  • Lev. 16:21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat…

ANSWER:

  • Confessing his iniquities. In figure, transferring his sins to the sacrifice.


5. What does the priest do with the blood from the sacrifice?

  • Lev. 4:5 And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

  • Lev. 4:6 And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

  • Lev. 4:7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

ANSWER:

  • Bring the blood to the holy place.

  • Dip his finger in the blood.

  • Sprinkle of the blood on the veil seven times.

  • Put it upon the horns of the altar of incense.

  • Pour all the blood of the sacrifice at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering.

  • In figure, transferring the sins of the sinner to the sanctuary


WEDNESDAY


1. Who does the priest represent today?

  • Heb. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

ANSWER:

  • Jesus.


2. What does the finger of a priest, or the finger of God, represent?

  • Ex. 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Ex. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

  • Dan. 5:5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

  • John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

ANSWER:

  • Judgment of God.

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

  • So what does it mean that the finger of a priest is dipped in the blood?


3. What does it mean to “sprinkle” in the Hebrew?

ANSWER:

  • Sprinkle- Hebrew- 5137. nazah, naw-zaw´; a primitive root; to spirt, i.e. besprinkle (especially in expiation):—sprinkle.

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS:

  • Spirt-noun -1. the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid) [syn: jet] verb-1. gush forth in a sudden stream or jet; "water gushed forth" [syn: spurt] 2. move or act with a sudden increase in speed or energy [syn: forge]

  • Expiation- ORIGIN Latin expiare ‘appease by sacrifice’, from pius ‘pious’. 1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty. atone for (guilt or sin).


4. What is the significance of the “veil”?

  • Heb. 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus Heb. 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh

  • Col. 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight

ANSWER:

  • Jesus our Substitute made the way of forgiveness.

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

  • What is the significance of “seven times”?


5. What is the significance of “horns” in the Bible?

  • Gen. 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

  • Psa. 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

  • Hab. 3:4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David

  • Psa. 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

ANSWER:

  • It represents the power of salvation.

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

  • What is the significance of putting the blood on the horns of the altar of incense?